Corner joint and method for producing a joint of this type
A corner joint includes two connecting parts, which are fixed to the respective hollow sections. The mitered hollow sections and the fixed connecting parts are interconnected by screws in such a way that the hollow sections can be braced against one another. Recesses and/or distribution channels for receiving and distributing adhesive are provided on at least one lateral surface of a connecting part.
The invention relates to a corner joint consisting of a corner connector and two metal sections and also to a method for producing such a joint with the features of the preamble of the independent claims. The invention also relates to a connecting part of which the corner connector composed of at least two connecting parts consists.
Numerous corner joints or corner connectors are already known and in use. For example, EP 0 810 344 B1 describes a corner joint which uses an approximately L-shaped one-piece corner connector for connecting mitered hollow sections.
EP 0 810 344 B1 itself describes a corner connector and associated mitered hollow sections, the sections being pressed together by fastening arrangements which are supported on the corner connector. The hollow sections are additionally glued together with the corner connector.
DE 86 21 143 U discloses a device and a method in which hollow sections are connected to form a corner joint with the aid of a connecting piece.
It has been found in practice that the production of a corner joint with the aid of a one-piece corner connector is comparatively difficult depending on the purpose for which it is to be used. Furthermore, the known methods are not very suitable for pressing the sections against one another in a way which is reliable and easy to bring about.
Two-part corner connectors are known from FR 2 477 443, for example. The corner joint in FR 2 477 443 consists of mitered hollow sections into which a corner connector part can in each case be introduced. Screwed connections above all are customary for connecting the corner connector parts to the hollow sections and the corner connector parts to one another.
FR 86 645 discloses a corner joint in which frame sections open on one side are interconnected. In this case, the corner joint parts can be arranged offset inwardly on the sections, by virtue of which a distance is defined between the miter surfaces of the corner connector parts.
A corner joint with a corner connector consisting of two connecting elements, two reinforcing sections and two mitered hollow sections made of plastic is also known from EP 1 333 145 A2. There, a connecting element can in each case be introduced into a reinforcing section and the latter can in each case be introduced into a hollow space of a hollow section. The connecting elements are connected to the hollow sections by screws and to one another likewise by screws. The screws for connecting the connecting elements to the hollow sections on the one hand and for connecting the connecting elements to one another on the other hand are tightened stepwise in such a way that the hollow sections are pressed against one another. The plastic hollow sections are then welded together with one another.
FR 2 729 738 A1 discloses a corner joint with two prism-shaped corner connector parts. The connection arrangement is effected essentially with the aid of screws, gluing locations also being provided.
Corner joints which comprise exclusively glued connections are also known. DE 101 18 791 A1 for instance discloses a corner joint for hollow sections made of aluminum with an L-shaped connecting element into which adhesive can be filled via channel-forming recesses and chambers.
DE 198 18 632 A1 relates to a corner joint for hollow plastic sections. Corresponding inserts made of plastic can in each case be inserted into the mitered hollow sections. The insert bodies have an adhesive channel guide system for connecting the insert bodies to the hollow sections, adhesive being introduced via an inlet opening in the region of a miter surface of an insert body.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the known art, in particular to produce a device and a method of the kind mentioned in the introduction, which device is characterized by simple, economical use, great stability and a wide range of applications. The corner joint is to be especially well-suited for metal hollow sections.
According to the invention, these objects are achieved with a corner joint, a connecting part and a kit for this corner joint and also a method for producing a corner joint with the features of the characterizing part of the independent claims.
A corner joint for frames of wall elements, doors or windows comprises a corner connector and mitered hollow sections. The corner connector is in this connection composed of at least two parts. The connecting parts can in each case be introduced into a hollow space of a hollow section and comprise a fastening arrangement for connection to in each case a hollow section. The connecting parts also have a connecting arrangement for connecting the connecting parts each fastened to a hollow section to one another. As the connecting parts are in each case premounted in the respective hollow sections, the hollow sections (with their associated connecting parts) only have to be positioned in relation to one another and then joined together by connecting the connecting parts for the actual connection of the corners. The comparatively complicated working step of inserting the respective legs of a one-piece corner connector of the abovementioned known kind is consequently dispensed with. The two-part construction of a corner connector consequently has great advantages as far as handling and assembly of a corner joint are concerned. The connecting parts can also be produced relatively cost-effectively in comparison with L-shaped parts.
The hollow sections are usually made of metal material, in particular steel, from which relatively complicated cross sections can also be produced. In this connection, the metal is rolled or drawn for example. Production can also take place by extrusion. The hollow section is in its simplest form of essentially rectangular design in cross section. Hollow sections can of course also have other shapes or geometries. In particular, the connecting parts are also suitable for use in sections which, instead of only one hollow space, have a number of hollow spaces which are separate from one another and run parallel. The associated connecting parts in each case are designed in cross section in such a way that they can be inserted with an exact fit into a hollow space of the section without or at least with only a small amount of play. The connecting parts themselves are likewise as a rule made of metal material, preferably steel, special steel or aluminum. The connecting arrangement for connecting the connecting parts each fastened to a hollow section and/or the connecting parts are designed in such a way that the mitered hollow sections are pressed against one another under prestress during the connection operation. The result of this is that any production-related unevenness or inaccuracy of the mitered sections in the region of their miter are compensated for.
The stability of the corner joint is also improved by the frictional connection. A further advantage is that the corners meet higher aesthetic requirements by avoiding any gaps.
Recesses and distribution channels for receiving injectable adhesive are provided on at least one boundary surface of a connecting part. In this connection, a boundary surface is a surface of the connecting part which bears against the hollow section inner wall. Adhesive can thus be applied in accurately defined areas. This also has the advantage that adhesive can be saved as the entire surface is not intended for receiving adhesive. An injectable adhesive can be distributed effectively with the aid of the distribution channels.
The connecting parts are especially advantageously provided with a miter, the miter angle corresponding approximately to that of the respective associated hollow sections. The miter surfaces of a hollow section and the miter surface of the respective connecting part consequently run parallel to one another. This has the advantage that the connecting parts or hollow sections are pressed against one another uniformly and consequently no stress peaks can arise.
At least one of the connecting parts is especially advantageously fastened at a distance from the miter surface of a hollow section. During connection of the hollow sections, or the connecting parts fastened thereto, to one another, the distance between the miter surfaces of the connecting parts is reduced, by virtue of which the hollow sections are pressed against one another in the region of the miter. This arrangement of the connecting parts in the hollow sections has the advantage that the hollow sections can be pressed against one another under prestress in a simple way. Through the choice of distance, it is possible to adjust the desired pressing force or prestress to a certain degree. However, the connecting parts are preferably fitted into the respective hollow sections at the same distance.
In a further illustrative embodiment, the respective hollow section and the respective connecting part can be screwed and/or glued together with one another. The connection between hollow section and the respective connecting part can thus be brought about relatively simply. In order to keep the effort required for assembly as small as possible, only a few, for example two, screws are advantageously used per hollow section in each case, which screws are in particular countersunk on the same surface of the hollow section. A screwed connection likewise has the advantage that the abovementioned distance can be set in a simple way by means of the positioning of the screwed connection. On the other hand, a glued connection has the advantage that the section does not have to be provided with a number of unsightly bores. A combination of the connection types gluing and screwing results in a particularly firm connection. Gluing can also simply serve for additionally securing the screwed connection.
The connecting part is especially advantageously fastened to the hollow section by means of self-tapping screws. This has the advantage that the connecting part does not have to comprise a screw thread, but simple drill holes are sufficient. The comparatively involved working step of providing a thread, for instance thread-cutting, can thus be dispensed with in the production of a connecting part. As a result, a connecting part can be produced more simply and less expensively.
In a following illustrative embodiment, connecting parts are screwed and/or glued together with one another. This allows the corner joint to be assembled easily. Gluing is effected by, for example, the connecting parts being coated with adhesive on their miter surface. A combination of gluing and screwing has the advantage moreover that—in comparison with gluing alone—additional holding or positioning means for accurate positioning of the connecting parts or the hollow sections connected thereto with one another can be dispensed with.
The connecting parts comprise especially advantageously at least one through-bore running at right angles to the miter for connecting the connecting parts. With the aid of this through-bore, the connecting parts can be screwed together with one another simply with fastening screws. The screws are introduced into the through-bore from one side and then tightened with the aid of a nut or a corresponding thread in the opposite connecting part. This has the advantage that pressing of the hollow sections against one another can be brought about easily by tightening the screwed connection.
According to a further illustrative embodiment, the connecting parts have a recess for receiving a nut in the inlet region of the through-bore. This arrangement makes it possible to insert receiving nuts therein. A user can thus choose from which side, or from which of the hollow sections of a corner joint, a fastening screw is to be introduced. Assembly of a corner joint can thus be made flexible. In particular, this makes assembly of frames for wall elements, doors or windows which is adapted to the constructional circumstances possible, for example. The receiving nuts can already be inserted before the first production step, the fastening of the connecting parts to the respective hollow sections. These nuts are secured rotationally by, for example, gluing the nuts in the blind hole or by positive and/or frictional connection.
It is particularly advantageous if the hollow section comprises at least one opening for the injection of adhesive into the distribution channels. This makes it possible to introduce adhesive between hollow section and connecting section from only a few injection openings. It is thus possible to assemble the corner joint entirely mechanically first, for example with the aid of screwed connections, and only then additionally to introduce adhesive. The handling and use of adhesive is simplified. The process of producing a glued and screwed corner joint can be made considerably more efficient.
According to a further illustrative embodiment, the connecting part comprises webs and recesses running in the longitudinal direction in the region of the outer side and in the region of the inner side. In this connection, inner side means the inner face of a frame corner. Consequently, outer side means the opposite, outer face or that side of a mitered hollow section which has the greatest length owing to mitering. The connecting part is produced by cutting machining, for example in a milling station. However, it is also possible to make the connecting part in the form of a cast part. The form of the connecting parts brings about a weight reduction without the connecting parts losing their functional or static characteristics.
In an illustrative embodiment which is especially advantageous for this, the connecting part comprises a central recess in the region of the outer side and, corresponding to this, two webs at the side and also at least one web in the region of the inner side. The space created by the central recess can be used, for example, for running electric wiring and a lock closing bar through inside the corner joint. It is also possible for sealing or insulating material to be introduced into the recesses.
The corner joint can be produced by means of the following steps: each connecting part is connected to a respective hollow section with the aid of a fastening arrangement, and the connecting parts each fastened to a hollow section are then connected to one another with the aid of a connecting arrangement. Accordingly, the production operation consists essentially of two steps.
The mitered hollow sections are especially advantageously pressed against one another in the second step during connection of the connecting parts each fastened to a hollow section.
This pressing can be brought about by the connecting parts in each case being introduced into the hollow sections and fastened in such a way that a distance is present between the miter surfaces of a hollow section and of the respective connecting part. When the connecting parts are then connected to one another for the connection of the hollow sections, the gap which is present owing to the distance mentioned is reduced by the connecting parts being drawn together, so that the hollow sections are pressed against one another in the region of the miter.
Further individual features and advantages of the invention emerge from the description below of illustrative embodiments and from the drawings, in which:
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FIGS. 9 to 11 show a further illustrative embodiment of a connecting part 5. This comprises in particular a recess 34 for receiving adhesive in the region of its lateral surface. In contrast to the preceding illustrative embodiment (see
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Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A corner joint for frames of wall elements, doors or windows, comprising a corner connector and two mitered hollow sections, wherein the corner connector comprises at least two connecting parts which can be introduced into a hollow space of a hollow section and are each designed with a fastening arrangement for connection to in each case a hollow section, recesses and/or distribution channels for receiving and distributing adhesive being provided on at least one boundary surface of a connecting part, and in that a connecting arrangement for connecting the connecting parts each fastened to a hollow section is provided, connecting arrangement and/or connecting parts being designed in such a way that the mitered hollow sections can be pressed against one another under prestress during the connection operation.
18. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connecting parts are provided with a miter, the miter angle corresponding to that of the respective associated hollow sections.
19. The corner joint as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least one of the connecting parts is fastened in the hollow section at a distance from the miter surface of a hollow section.
20. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the respective hollow section and the respective connecting part are screwed and/or glued together with one another.
21. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the hollow section is fastened to the connecting part by means of self-tapping screws.
22. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connecting parts are screwed and/or glued together with one another.
23. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connecting parts comprise at least one through-hole, in particular a bore, running approximately at right angles to the miter for connecting the connecting parts.
24. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connecting parts are provided with a nut in the region of the through-hole.
25. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the hollow section comprises at least one opening for the injection of adhesive into the distribution channels.
26. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connecting part comprises webs and recesses running in the longitudinal direction in the region of the outer side and in the region of the inner side.
27. The corner joint as claimed in claim 17, wherein the connecting part comprises a central recess in the region of the outer side and correspondingly two webs at the side and also at least one web in the region of the inner side.
28. A connecting part for producing a corner joint as claimed in claim 17 for frames of wall elements, doors or windows consisting of two mitered hollow sections and with at least two connecting parts which can be introduced into a hollow space of a hollow section, wherein the connecting part comprises a miter which corresponds to that of the hollow section to which the connecting part can be connected and a connecting arrangement is provided by means of which two connecting parts with the hollow sections fastened thereto can be connected, the connecting arrangement being designed in such a way that the mitered hollow sections can be pressed against one another under prestress during the connection operation, and in that recesses and/or distribution channels for receiving adhesive are provided on at least one boundary surface of the connecting part.
29. The connecting part as claimed in claim 28, wherein the connecting part comprises as the connecting arrangement at least one through-hole, in particular a bore, for receiving a fastening element, in particular a screw, and in that one of the connecting parts comprises a complementary fastening element, in particular a nut.
30. A method for producing a corner joint for frames of wall elements, doors or windows consisting of a corner connector and at least two mitered hollow sections, the corner connector comprising at least two connecting parts, wherein each connecting part is connected to the respective hollow section with the aid of a fastening arrangement and in that the connecting parts each fastened to a hollow section are then connected to one another with the aid of a connecting arrangement, the mitered hollow sections being pressed against one another under prestress during the connection of the connecting parts each fastened to a hollow section, and in that the respective hollow section and the respective connecting part are screwed and glued together with one another.
31. The method for producing a corner joint as claimed in claim 30, wherein at least one connecting part is connected to the respective hollow section so that a connecting part has a distance from the miter surface of a hollow section.
32. The method for producing a corner joint as claimed in claim 30, wherein the hollow section is fastened to the connecting part by means of self-tapping screws.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 18, 2004
Publication Date: Oct 19, 2006
Inventors: Jurg Egli (Kesswil), Michael Leitner (Lauterach)
Application Number: 10/568,675
International Classification: F16B 12/36 (20060101);